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Murray has been in business since the early 20th century and offers a long list of lawn and garden equipment, including power equipment and garden tools. Its riding and push lawn mowers are available in a wide range of sizes, features and prices. When your 6-horsepower Murray push lawn mower won't start, a quick session of troubleshooting can help get it ready to mow.

Spark Plug

The spark plug is among the first items to check when your 6-horsepower Murray push lawn mower won't start. It is near the right side on the front of the Briggs and Stratton Quantum 625 Series engine that is used in the Murray Select 21-inch, self-propelled, 6.25-horsepower mower. Take out the spark plug with a spark plug socket, and inspect it for debris. Scrub deposits from it with a wire brush and spray-on spark plug cleaner. Using a knife may be necessary to scrape off tough, stuck-on deposits. Inspect the spark plug for worn or burnt electrodes, cracks in the porcelain and other signs of damage. The gap between the spark plug's electrodes must be 0.020 inch for the Briggs and Stratton Quantum 625 Series engine. If you notice damage, replace the spark plug with a new one. Also, ensure the spark wire is securely plugged into the spark plug boot.

Stale Fuel

Stale fuel can cause the engine not to start. Fuel can become stale after 30 days of storage when a proper fuel stabilizer isn't used. If stale fuel remains in your Murray lawn mower, it will cause acid and gum deposits throughout the fuel system or carburetor. Drain stale fuel from the fuel tank, and dispose of the old fuel according to your locality's and state's regulations. Replace it with fresh gasoline.

Improper Storage

If you must tip your Murray 6-horsepower mower during storage, ensure that its fuel tank is empty and that you store it with its spark plug side up. If you fail to follow either of those instructions, oil or gas may contaminate the air filter or spark plug. The contamination can prevent the lawn mower from starting.

Other Engine Problems

Other engine problems that may cause your Murray mower not to start include a blocked fuel line and flooded engine. If the engine is flooded with gasoline, wait a couple minutes and try to restart the engine, but don't prime the engine if the mower is equipped with a primer bulb. Trying to start the engine several times may be necessary to clear it of excess fuel. The Briggs and Stratton Quantum 625 engine is not equipped with a choke, but similar models have optional chokes. If your mower has a choke, then engage the choke. If your mower is equipped with a fuel valve, then ensure it is open when you try to start the engine.

About the Author

With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since 2009 and has served as an expert writer in these fields. Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care.